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Graceful Gift

Every year I give a few Amaryllis bulbs, as gifts. Do you know what the Amaryllis means?

In Greek mythology, the bulb began as a shy, timid nymph. Amaryllis fell deeply in love with Alteo, a shepherd with Hercules' strength and Apollo's beauty, but her affections were unrequited. Hoping that she could win him over by bestowing upon him the thing he desired most. A flower so unique it had never existed in the world before, Amaryllis sought advice from the oracle of Delphi. Following his instructions, Amaryllis dressed in maiden's white and appeared at Alteo's door for 30 nights, each time piercing her heart with a golden arrow. When at last Alteo opened his door, there before him was a striking crimson flower, sprung from the blood of Amaryllis's heart. With this romantic - albeit tragic - tale as its beginning, it's not surprising that today the amaryllis has come to symbolize pride, determination and radiant beauty.

Recently, on Jenny Doh's blog , She shares a tradition, from her roots. I loved the idea and how each of us is unique and how we have developed from our family tree. I thought about a note or a card I would attach to this gift bag:

Thank you Mom, for planting seeds of grace and morals in me. I carry this ritual on, by trying to instill these roots in my children. Generations have passed on talents, genes, and memories, to help shape n’ form our family. When you plant your bulb and force it to bloom, be reminded of what we as a family have endured. Remember how unique we all are. Together we share the bond of love, family pride and determination. We hope the next generation will be more durable, stronger and determined to bloom. The Amaryllis symbolizes pride, determination and radiance.

We all need to share ourselves: our views, our gifts and our unique beauty. We all have it, we just have to be open, discover what we enjoy, love and allow it time, air and room to grow.

I signed up at #reverb10 to reflect on this year and help manifest, what is next. The prompts are provided by authors. Today is from author, Gwen Bell. Each day through this month, starting today, there will be a prompt. Today's prompt is to select a word that reflects your year. I would have to say "rebirth", blogging has made me feel like, I'm becoming who I wanted to be, but was detoured. It has given me a chance to spread my wings, test out some art, poems, writing and share my thoughts. I became brave and submitted some art, I joined Poets United, I did an A-Z blogging challenge, and I had my Readers Share Story on Crescendoh, etc. Then you are asked to select a word for 2011. I chose "create" I hope to continue on this path and create the life I want. Why don't you join me?

Definitions of rebirth: Word for 2010

metempsychosis: after death the soul begins a new cycle of existence in another human body

reincarnation: a second or new birth

the revival of learning and culture

conversion: a spiritual enlightenment causing a person to lead a new life

Define create: Word for 2011

make: make or cause to be or to become; "make a mess in one's office"; "create a furor"

bring into existence; "The company was created 25 years ago"; "He created a new movement in painting"

pursue a creative activity; be engaged in a creative activity; "Don't disturb him--he is creating"

Hi Lorena,I just planted one, hoping it will bloom for Christmas. Mine is suppose to be a apple blossom strip one. Funny, only once has the blossom matched the box. Most of the time it is a surprise, which is fine by me. What color did you get? I so love flowers this time of year, when the white winter blanket arrives, the colors are such a gift, especially in January!

Hi EllenThanks for sharing the mythology of Amaryllis.. something new for me!!Well I should pop over and check out the reverb project.. although i think I would not be able to post the word I am thinking of.. hahaha.. Last year was a tough year for me.. working incredible hours.. but as it was also my first year blogging it brought hope and determination also.. This year has certainly been a strange one... but... perhaps that's even more reason to manifest something wonderful for 2011

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